Battubes....the begining

Hello,

I sure would appreciate some help with finding the right tubes for my BAT vk5i.

A lot of talk surrounds the Amperex tubes. I'm coming fast to the opinion a good bit is hype. I'd like to know the truth.... and I can't afford to do my own testing for every amperex tube out there... Yep. I read joe's tube guide online... informative.

it'll take and run with 6922's, 6dj8's, and the 7308's. . . . and I know from talking with Victor at BAT it only needs six for signal development.... the other two are shunts. "They do nothing." says Victor

Is it all as simple as put in new tubes and leave it on?

Just buy tested tubes that test strong?

Upscale audio says there is no sonic difference between any of the amperex tubes.... green, white, etc... USN, JAN, PQ.... they were just made for certain issues.... USN & JAN for the military, PQ only made in '65....and he said get a different brand which I won't mention here (just to let you know though, they are real cheap), and leave it on. Don't turn it off....

I give up.... and solid state is looking better all the time.... but I'd hate to change again as I truly love the sound this preamp can put out, if there is a solution, and I'm sure there is....

What's your experience with the vk5i and tubes...

Please help. Thanks a lot.